"Tomorrow, we will play the most important match of our lives for our country," the 27-year-old wrote on his official Facebook page Saturday. "My dreams and my hopes are being fulfilled due to the hard work and sacrifice of a team that has given everything from match one."

Many thousands of Argentina supporters have flocked to Rio in expectation of victory, and Messi, who has scored four times in the competition so far, is desperate to make sure they do not leave disappointed.

"We knew it was possible [to reach the final]," the Barcelona forward continued. "Our people, the Argentines, they have carried us here. But the dream is not over yet. We want to win, and we are ready!"